China bans blood sales to improve safety of supplies.

China has banned the sale of blood in a bid to improve the safety of supplies.

The law, passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is due to come into effect in October next year.

It provides for anyone who illegally collects blood or sells blood which is donated voluntarily to be fined up to $12,000.

The Chinese news agency said healthy citizens aged between 18 and 55 will be encouraged to donate blood.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service